Subtleties and rules for reproduction of crossandra by seeds and cuttings
Crossandra is an ornamental plant from the tropics, distinguished by its luxurious appearance, fragility and capricious "character". Reproduction of crossandra at home occurs in two ways - by cuttings and seeds. Each of them requires strict adherence to the rules, because with any mistakes in the cultivation of the crossandra, it quickly loses its decorative effect. Proper care will result in a lush and long-lasting flowering that can last from spring to the first frost.
Growing crossandra from seeds
The seed method is not very popular, since it does not guarantee the preservation of the characteristics of the mother plant. All plant varieties, especially hybrid ones, reproduce best vegetatively. But successful cultivation and adherence to all the subtleties allows you to get a luxurious flower from seeds.
Preparation of planting material
Before growing a crossandra from seeds, you need to prepare planting material. For sowing, seeds are used, collected from the plant or bought in a specialized store.
Seeds, independently collected from the crossandra, do not need preliminary preparation - they are distinguished by excellent germination. Store ones need to be soaked for 2 hours in water (23-25 ° C) or in a solution of any growth stimulant (Zircon, Epin Extra, Heteroauxin).
Capacity and substrate
For propagation of crossandra seeds, a substrate made from sand, moistened peat, sphagnum and coconut fiber is best suited. All of these components can be purchased at specialized gardening stores. This soil has good air permeability, promotes the rooting of seeds and their active germination.
For sowing seeds, you need to prepare small containers or pots, you can use peat containers.
Sowing seeds
Crossandra seeds are sown to a depth of no more than 5 mm, evenly over the surface of a loose substrate. The container must be covered with glass or plastic wrap and transferred to a warm and well-lit place.
For germination of seeds of crossandra, it is very important to maintain an air temperature of 22-24 ° C, as well as regularly moisten the soil with a spray bottle, they cannot be watered.
Crossandra seeds collected from the plant will sprout in about 7-10 days, purchased ones a little slower - within 15-20 days. After 4 weeks, young seedlings must be dived into separate pots.
After that, after another 25-30 days, the crossandra can be pinched and transplanted into larger pots - 3-4 shoots each. For cultivation, it is best to use a nutritious substrate made from sod soil, rotted humus and peat. The top layer of the substrate should be made of perlite or sand.
Propagation of crossandra by cuttings
The method of propagation of crossandra by cuttings is more common and popular. It is more simple and efficient than growing a plant from seed. For reproduction, cuttings up to 7-10 cm long are used.
The cuttings must be cut off, then the excess leaves must be removed, and the cut sites must be sprinkled with any Epin preparation or other growth stimulator. For germination, cuttings can be planted both in water and soil.
Rooting cuttings
One of the most popular ways is to propagate crossandra by cuttings in water. To do this, the stalk, separated from the mother plant, must be placed in a container with water. When the roots appear, they can be transplanted into previously prepared soil.
For rooting cuttings of the crossandra, you can use a light nutrient substrate. Seedlings are planted in a large container with soil, which must be regularly moistened - this will speed up the rooting of the cuttings.
Cover the container with plastic wrap, a lid, or glass. In this way, you can germinate cuttings of crossandra throughout the year.
Planting crossandra
After rooting, the cuttings germinate within 30-60 days. After that, the seedlings can be pinched and planted in 3-5 pieces in large-diameter flowerpots. The drainage layer must be poured into the pot - thanks to this, the plant will be more lush.
On top of the drainage, soil is poured prepared from the following components:
- perlite or sand;
- rotted humus;
- leaf turf;
- peat.
These components are taken in a ratio of 1: 3: 3: 3. Every winter, in late January or early February, the plant must be transplanted into a new substrate, additionally enriched with minerals. The size of the flower pot should be increased with each transplant.
Caring for the crossandra after planting
After germination of cuttings or seeds, crossandra takes 7-8 months before reaching adult "age". Under natural conditions, the plant reaches 85-100 cm in height, when grown at home - no more than 40-50 cm.
Crossandra care rules:
- The tropical flower is very fond of uniform sunlight, but it should not be placed in direct sunlight. This can lead to reddening of its leaves. It is best to place the crossandra pot under diffused sunlight.
- It is important to keep the air temperature in the room not lower than + 18 ° С.
- On summer days, the leaves of the crossandra should be sprayed in the morning and in the evening with a spray bottle. To do this, it is better to use settled or filtered water.
- The plant needs regular watering. In summer it is watered every 8-10 days, in winter - no more than once every 15 days.
- Twice a month, the crossandra must be fed with complex mineral fertilizers for indoor plants.
- From October to February, the plant is dormant. At this time, you need to stop feeding and limit watering.
Crossandra is a beautiful houseplant with lush flowers and a capricious "character". With strict adherence to all the nuances and careful care, the grower will receive a bright and colorful flowering, lasting from spring to autumn.